TAM receptors (Tyro3, Axl and Mer) belong to a family of receptor tyrosine kinases that are important for hemostasis and inflammation. TAM receptors affect cell proliferation, survival, adhesion and migration. TAM receptors can be activated by vitamin K-dependent protein Gas6 and protein S. Protein S is generally considered as an important cofactor of protein C and a direct inhibitor of several coagulation factors. TAM receptors-Tyro3, Axl and MER-constitute a unique family of receptor tyrosine kinases because they, as a group, do not play an important role in embryonic development. TAM receptor signaling plays an important role in phagocytosis and clearance of apoptotic cells (AC) and cell membranes in adult tissues.
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